2026 Toyota bZ Electric SUV Gets Major Upgrades
Toyota has significantly upgraded its electric SUV, now simply called the ‘bZ,’ dropping the ‘4X’ suffix. The 2026 model boasts improvements across the board, including a fresh design, enhanced driving range, and advanced technology features.
Key Improvements
- Estimated driving range of up to 314 miles, a 25% increase over the previous model
- Addition of an NACS charging port, allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network
- DC fast charging capabilities, reaching 80% charge in 30 minutes under ideal conditions
- Enhanced performance: AWD models now produce up to 338 hp, a 50% improvement
- New ‘hammerhead front end’ design, similar to the updated Camry and Crown models
- Redesigned interior with a larger 14-inch touchscreen and improved features
Battery and Range Options
The 2026 Toyota bZ will be available with two battery options:
- 57.7 kWh battery, offering up to 236 miles of range
- 74.7 kWh battery, providing up to 314 miles of range
Different trim levels will offer varying combinations of battery size, drivetrain, and range:
- XLE FWD: 57.7 kWh, 236 miles
- XLE FWD Plus: 74.7 kWh, 314 miles
- XLE AWD: 74.7 kWh, 288 miles
- Limited FWD: 74.7 kWh, 299 miles
- Limited AWD: 74.7 kWh, 278 miles
Interior and Features
The bZ features a redesigned center console with:
- Larger 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen
- Two wireless phone chargers
- Slimmed-down dashboard design
- Standard 7-inch driver display screen
- Heated front and rear seats
- Regenerative braking
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Higher trims offer additional features such as:
- 20-inch black alloy wheels (Limited trim)
- Multi-LED headlights (Limited trim)
- SofTex-trimmed seats (Limited trim)
- Ventilated front seating (Limited trim)
- Panoramic moonroof with power sunshade (XLE trim)
- Premium 9-speaker JBL Audio system (Limited trim)
Availability and Pricing
The 2026 Toyota bZ is expected to arrive at dealerships in the second half of 2025. As the new model approaches, Toyota is offering close-out deals on the 2024 and 2025 bZ4X models, with lease cash of up to $19,000 and monthly lease payments as low as $269.
The name change to ‘bZ’ is intended to simplify the branding for buyers and revamp the model’s image following a slow start in North America. The previous bZ4X model faced recall issues related to potential wheel detachment. With these significant upgrades, Toyota aims to improve the competitiveness of its electric SUV in the growing EV market.
